Four students were allegedly injured after police and student protesters clashed at the Central University of Kerala in Kasaragod on Tuesday, October 6, during demonstrations against a national seminar marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The protesting students alleged that police used force to prevent them from entering the seminar venue, with some alleging that they were manhandled and their clothes torn in the confrontation.
The two-day seminar, organised by the Sahitya Akademi in association with the Central University of Kerala and the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad (ABVP), the student organisation of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is being held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
Student organisations Student Federation of India (SFI), All India Students' Federation (AISF), National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and Muslim Students Federation (MSF) have opposed the event. The student groups said that the seminar platformed an RSS-linked organisation and reflected an attempt to promote a “saffronisation agenda” on the university campus. They also questioned why Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, a literary organisation affiliated to the RSS, was made co-organiser.
The opposition is particularly directed at the participation of keynote speaker J Nandakumar, national convener of Prajna Pravah, a Hindutva organisation with close ties to the RSS.
Speaking to TNM, SFI unit secretary Syed Ali said the students weren’t opposed to conducting the programme, but that their main concern was the invitation extended to Nandakumar.
“Our primary concern is the enthusiasm shown in inviting just one particular person from one organisation. There is no inclusiveness in inviting guests. We have not seen such an approach being followed in any of the seminars conducted at the university so far,” Syed added.
Matters escalated when students attempted to enter the seminar hall where the programme was being held. Police and university security personnel stopped them, leading to heated exchanges and a push-and-pull between the two sides.
Four students, including Syed Ali, suffered bruises in the confrontation. The protesters alleged that police assaulted students when they refused to end their demonstration. They also alleged that women students were manhandled despite the absence of women police personnel.
The protesters assembled outside the hall with flags of their organisations and raised slogans against the RSS. Police maintained a heavy presence around the venue and prevented the protesters from entering the hall.
A university official who identified himself as the Dean of Student Affairs told reporters that he was unaware why students who had registered for the event were being denied entry. He said he would seek clarification from the organisers.
The university has not accepted the allegations of police assault.
Students alleged that the university did not intervene during police action. They are now demanding an official apology from the university. They are also demanding the proctor's immediate resignation, whom they accused of failing to ensure student safety and repeatedly cooperating with police against students' interests.
The organisers have maintained that the seminar was intended to examine the historical and literary significance of Vande Mataram and is part of nationwide programmes marking its 150th anniversary.
University Vice Chancellor Siddu P Algur arrived at the venue as the programme commenced. Nandakumar had reached the campus earlier in the morning amid heightened security.
The university issued a circular ahead of the event warning against disruption during the singing of the national anthem or the national song. Citing amended legal provisions, it said deliberately preventing their recitation could attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The seminar concludes on Wednesday, October 7, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar scheduled to attend the valedictory ceremony as chief guest.
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